Very straightforward. Process took about 4 weeks. Would have been faster if I was not sitting for exams.
Online application followed by a phone interview within two weeks. Phone interview revolved around competency questions predominantly with a small case study at the end.
Assessment Centre is shorter than most but expect an intensive afternoon. Here is what to expect:
1. Individual analytical exercise (25 min) - Time pressured. Case study with a stack of information to process. You are expected to write answers to 5 very pointed questions. Be as specific as you can, but do not need to focus on the details (actual percentages, numbers etc). They ask that you focus on three main themes and my advise is to stick to the themes and don't deviate too much. Bullet point everything and don't spend too much time on one question. You won't have time to read everything so make sure you know what you are looking for.
2. Group Case Study Exercise (30 min) - You will work in groups of five to arrive at a solution for a client (two merging banks). Lots of data to process. Stay very focused and try to pick on key issues (cost, pros, cons). Speak out and try to take the lead in various capacities - keep time, write on the board etc. The solutions in the end are straightforward. Focus on what the key aims of the banks are and Accenture's key interests. You can go over budget! But make sure you can justify it. At the end, the assessors ask the group to discuss what they might have done differently if money was no object. Speak out during this time and focus on Accenture's capabilities.
3. 1 on 1 Interview (30 min) - Very relaxed interview. Start by discussing the case study with the interviewer. Make sure you know what solutions your group picked and how you will justify it to the client AND to Accenture. Think of the stakeholders and use common sense. Try to tie in with the capabilities Accenture offers. Follows with a few competency questions which are pretty much similar to the phone interview questions.
Stay relaxed. Don't overprepare. Use common sense.